UAE visa guide: Countries eligible for visa-free entry and visa on arrival

Are you planning to visit the UAE to experience the glimmering coastal waters or to visit the towering skyscrapers that reach into the skies above?

The UAE offers relatively easy access for visitors and allows citizens of at least 70 countries to enter the nation without a visa.

Travelling to the country is also convenient as a large network of airlines fly to and from the country’s multiple airports. Dubai airport has been the world’s busiest airport for years, with the country welcoming millions of visitors every year.

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Let’s take a look at the nationalities that do not require a visa in advance.

No visa, no requirements

GCC nationals can enter the country without a visa and can enter with either their passport or national ID.

This includes the following countries:

• Bahrain

• Kuwait

• Oman

• Qatar

• Saudi Arabia

Visa-free for 90 days

People from these 49 nations enjoy visa-free access to the country for 90 days. This is within a 180-day rolling window. Multiple entries are permitted but the total number of days must not exceed 90 within any 180-day period.

No visa or entry fees is charged. However, travellers entering the country on this visa are not allowed to work and need a separate visa for employment.

1. Andorra

2. Argentina

3. Austria

4. Belgium

5. Brazil

6. Bulgaria

7. Chile

8. Costa Rica

9. Croatia

10. Cyprus

11. Czech Republic

12. Denmark

13. El Salvador

14. Estonia

15. Finland

16. France

17. Germany

18. Greece

19. Honduras

20. Hungary

21. Iceland

22. Ireland

23. Italy

24. Japan

25. Kiribati

26. Latvia

27. Liechtenstein

28. Lithuania

29. Luxembourg

30. Malaysia

31. Malta

32. Monaco

33. Nauru

34. Netherlands

35. Norway

36. Paraguay

37. Poland

38. Portugal

39. Romania

40. San Marino

41. Singapore

42. Slovakia

43. Slovenia

44. South Korea

45. Spain

46. Sweden

47. Switzerland

48. Vatican City

49. Uruguay

Visa-free entry for 30 days

These nations will be allowed visa-free entry for a maximum period of 30 days. In most cases, a visa extension of 30 days is also possible for visitors from the following countries.

However, for some nations, additional requirements may be necessary. It is always best to check official websites like the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) for the UAE or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) if heading to Dubai.

• Australia

• Bahamas

• Barbados

• Brunei

• Canada

• Chile

• China (including Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR)

• Colombia

• Ecuador

• Guernsey

• Honduras

• Isle of Man

• Japan

• Jersey

• Kazakhstan

• Malaysia

• Maldives

• Mauritius

• Mexico

• New Zealand

• Peru

• Russia

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

• Seychelles

• Singapore

• South Africa

• South Korea

• Ukraine

• United Kingdom

• United States

Visa-on-arrival for 60 days

The ICP recently broadened the eligibility criteria for UAE entry visas for nationals of select countries. The expanded eligibility applies to both 14-day and 60-day categories.

To qualify for this visa, travellers must hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the approved countries (US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada).

Now, a total of seven countries will be able to access this visa. These include:

• India

• Indonesia

• Kenya

• Philippines

• South Africa

• Thailand

• Vietnam

The permitted period of stay is either 14 days or 60 days, depending on the visa category chosen by the applicant.